People in composites: September 2023

Polymers company Aquapak appoints nonwoven expert to advisory board

Aquapak Polymers Ltd. (Birmingham, U.K.), which specializes in polymer-based material technologies, has announced the appointment of U.S. nonwoven industry expert, Dr. Kyra Dorsey, to its advisory board, which comprises business leaders and experts in material science and the environment. Her appointment is an extension of Aquapak’s market development strategy with a specific focus on tapping into the growing global demand from end-use industries such as hygiene and healthcare.

Aquapak advisory board member Dr. Kyra Dorsey.

Dorsey will support Aquapak in bringing its Hydropol technology to full-scale commercialization in the nonwoven sector using her extensive development experience in spunmelt, composite, carded, wetlaid and chemical applications. She has more than two decades of experience developing products for a variety of markets and application end uses such as wipes, hygiene, medical, industrial and specialty, and food and beverage. She has a doctorate in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her nonwoven journey began at GA Tech with a thesis on fiber formation in meltblowing. She has recently founded Glory Group LLC, a nonwoven consulting firm to serve the nonwoven industry, having spent 11 years at Suominen Nonwovens in both commercial and technical leadership roles; prior to that she was at Ahlstrom for 6 years.

“The market opportunity for Hydropol technology is huge and Kyra brings nonwoven experience which is second to none,” Mark Lapping, CEO, Aquapak, says. “Her technical knowledge and understanding of the nonwoven sector will help us identify opportunities for Hydropol as manufacturers look for new, sustainable ways to produce products such as flushable wipes for personal care and household use, which offer all the functionality without the environmental impact. ”

Pultron Composites expands leadership team

Pultron Composites Ltd. (Gisborne, New Zealand) announces the addition of Tony Davis to its team as sales manager. With a proven track record in sales and a deep understanding of the composites industry, Davis will play a crucial role in expanding Pultron’s market presence and driving business growth.

He has held sales, sales management and director positions within the fiberglass composites sector throughout Australia and New Zealand, and has been involved in composite applications globally.

Davis brings more than three decades of experience in sales and business development within the composites sector to Pultron. He has a strong background in building and nurturing client relationships, as well as a keen insight into market trends and customer needs. His appointment as sales manager reflects Pultron’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions and fostering partnerships that drive innovation.

Tony Davis, Pultron Composites sale manager.

According to Pultron CEO, Jasper Holdsworth, “Tony brings with him extensive expertise in the field of fiber-reinforced composites, spanning various facets such as engineering, sales and management. His background includes valuable experience in both the application and advancement of composite materials across diverse sectors including civil construction, water treatment, mining, and the oil and gas industry.”

In his new role, Davis will be responsible for leading Pultron’s sales initiatives, identifying growth prospects, and developing strategies to reach a broader customer base. He will work closely with the existing team to strengthen customer relationships, promote Pultron’s diverse range of composite solutions and contribute to the company’s ongoing success.

Teijin Aramid CEO Peter ter Horst joins VNCI board

Peter ter Horst, VNCI board member.

On Sept. 11, the members of the Royal Association of the Dutch Chemical Industry (VNCI) appointed Peter ter Horst, CEO of Teijin Aramid BV (Arnhem, Netherlands), as board member. Teijin Aramid is a producer of aramid fibers and is focused on sustainability throughout the entire value chain. By taking on this leadership position within the VNCI, Teijin Aramid actively contributes to the trade association for the Dutch chemical industry. Similar to Teijin Aramid, VNCI is committed to a sustainable society.

“We are pleased to welcome Peter ter Horst to our board,” VNCI director, Manon Bloemer, says. “Teijin Aramid is one of the organizations with sustainability in its DNA and demonstrates concrete steps in that regard. Aramid is a subsidiary of the Teijin Group.

Thermwood announces new personnel promotions

Thermwood Corp. (Dale, Ind., U.S.) announce the promotion of Joe Taylor to vice president of production and Colton Glenn to electrical supervisor.

Taylor replaced Don Ubelhor upon his retirement on Aug. 31. He is a long-standing employee with more than 30 years of experience at Thermwood. Taylor has held numerous production positions at Thermwood, initially starting as an electrical assembler, then moved to assistant supervisor in electrical and has worked over the last 23 years as supervisor of electrical.

Glenn started with Thermwood in August 2017 in the Electrical Department as an electrical assembler and later was promoted to assistant supervisor of electrical.

Thermwood’s Joe Taylor (left) and Colton Glenn (right).

Airbus nominates new Commercial Aircraft business CEO

Christian Scherer CEO of its Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus.

Airbus (Toulouse, France) is announcing a leadership evolution in its executive committee. Christian Scherer is becoming CEO of its Commercial Aircraft business, reporting to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.

“Since 2019, the leadership roles of Airbus and its Commercial Aircraft business have been combined, providing alignment and speed of execution during a period of multiple crises and change,” Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, says. “Airbus has now put itself on a clear trajectory in line with its purpose of ‘Pioneering sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world.’ Empowering Christian in the Commercial Aircraft CEO role will enable us to reinforce focus on the success of our Commercial Aircraft business while allowing me to dedicate my time to steering Airbus in a complex and fast-evolving global environment.”

“Christian and I have been working hand in hand over the last 5 years and we will continue to do so in this new configuration,” Faury continues. “I admire Christian’s business acumen and I’m happy to move forward with him to deliver on Airbus’ ambitions.”

“I’ll put my passion and that of Team Airbus at the service of our customers to meet our operational objectives as we work to consolidate our success, continuously improve and prepare the future of our products and services,” Scherer says. “As we do so, we will work closely with our partners and suppliers worldwide on our common roadmap to decarbonize aviation.”

This new organizational setup will be established in the next months in collaboration with the company’s social partners, with a target go-live in project mode from Jan. 1, 2024, onward.

French Oil Mill Machinery Co. elects new vice chair and CEO

The French Oil Mill Machinery Co.’s (Piqua, Ohio, U.S.) board of directors announces the election of Tayte French Lutz as vice chair and CEO during their meeting held on Sept. 21. Tayte French Lutz, who previously served as vice president of the company, will now lead the organization as its CEO, succeeding her father, Daniel P. French. Dan French maintains his role as chairman of the board.

French Lutz represents the fourth generation of leadership within the French family, continuing the legacy of innovation and excellence that has been synonymous with the company since its establishment in 1900. Her election as vice chair and CEO signifies a seamless transition of leadership within the company, as she steps into the role with a deep understanding of the organization’s history, values and vision.

A graduate of Tulane University and the Harvard Business School Owner/President Management program, French Lutz joined the family business in 2010 as marketing coordinator after years of working in the fashion industry. Throughout her tenure at French, she has played a pivotal role in various aspects of the business, from marketing, brand management and community involvement to operations and strategic planning. Her dedication to continuous learning and improvement, the company’s growth, and her unwavering commitment to preserving its core values have earned her the trust and confidence of the board of directors and the organization.

French Oil Mill Machinery Co.’s vice chair and CEO Tayte French Lutz.

In her new role as CEO, French Lutz will continue to uphold the company’s longstanding reputation for excellence in the design, manufacturing and servicing of hydraulic presses, oilseed and polymer processing equipment and more. Under her direction, French Oil Mill Machinery Company remains committed to partnership, customer satisfaction, innovation and product quality.

Dan French, the chairman of the board and outgoing CEO, expresses his confidence in Tayte’s abilities, saying, “I firmly believe that Tayte will shine in her new role as CEO. She has shown outstanding dedication and leadership throughout her employment with the company, and I am excited to see her guide French Oil Mill Machinery Co. into a new era of success.”

The board of directors and the entire French Oil Mill Machinery Co. team extend their congratulations to Tayte French Lutz on her election. They look forward to a prosperous future under her leadership.